Fraud charges in Florida are serious offenses that can affect every part of your life—from your freedom and finances to your professional reputation. Because fraud typically involves allegations of dishonesty, even being accused can damage your career and relationships.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our Cocoa Beach fraud lawyers understand how high the stakes are. Our team has the experience and resources to challenge the prosecution’s case, protect your rights, and fight for your future.
If you’ve been accused of fraud in Cocoa Beach or Brevard County, call our white-collar crime defense attorneys today at (321) 44-SHARK.
Types of Fraud
Fraud charges can involve many different actions, from financial schemes to identity theft, each carrying serious penalties under Florida law.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud occurs when someone misrepresents or withholds material information related to stocks, bonds, or investments. Common schemes include insider trading, pump-and-dump schemes, or falsifying financial statements. For example, misleading investors about the health of a company’s finances could lead to securities fraud charges.
Identity Theft
Identity theft involves using another person’s personal information—such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit cards—without their consent to commit fraud. Common methods include phishing emails, data breaches, or mail theft.
Victims often face severe financial and emotional harm, while financial institutions may also suffer major losses. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively, particularly when vulnerable individuals are targeted.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud involves using deception to obtain money or assets from a bank or financial institution. Examples include forging checks, creating fake accounts, or misrepresenting financial information to secure loans. These cases can be prosecuted under both state and federal law, with penalties that increase based on the scale of the fraud.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud occurs when someone makes a false claim to receive benefits or payouts. This can involve staged car accidents, falsified medical claims, or exaggerated property damage. Insurance companies aggressively investigate these cases, and prosecutors often rely on expert testimony to build their cases.
Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud is committed when someone lies or misrepresents facts to obtain or influence a mortgage loan. Examples include falsifying income on loan applications, using straw buyers, or inflating property values.
In recent years, Florida has seen an increase in prosecutions of mortgage fraud, given its impact on financial institutions and housing markets.
Legal Elements of Fraud
To convict someone of fraud, prosecutors must generally prove:
- Material misrepresentation or omission — A false statement or failure to disclose important information.
- Intent to deceive — The accused knowingly misled another person.
- Reliance on the misrepresentation or omission — The victim relied on the false information.
- Resulting harm or loss — The victim suffered financial damage or loss.
Because fraud often hinges on intent, prosecutors must show more than just mistakes or misunderstandings. This is often where strong defense strategies from a skilled Cocoa Beach fraud lawyer can make the difference.
Legal Consequences of Fraud
Fraud convictions in Florida can lead to devastating consequences, including:
- Criminal fines — Ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Incarceration — Fraud can carry years—or even decades—of prison time, depending on the amount involved.
- Restitution — Courts often order repayment to victims.
- Civil penalties — In addition to criminal liability, defendants may face lawsuits for damages.
Sentences vary depending on the type of fraud, the amount of money involved, and whether the case is prosecuted at the state or federal level. Enlisting the help of an experienced Cocoa Beach fraud lawyer is your best chance at minimizing or eliminating the consequences.
Defending Against Fraud Charges
Fraud cases are often complex, but there are many potential defenses:
- Lack of intent or knowledge — Showing that actions were not meant to deceive.
- Insufficient evidence — Demonstrating that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof.
- Entrapment — Arguing that investigators induced the alleged conduct.
- Violation of rights — Suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches or interrogations.
Because fraud cases often involve extensive financial records and digital evidence, a skilled Cocoa Beach fraud lawyer is essential.
How a Cocoa Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we know how prosecutors build fraud cases, and we know how to fight back.
Our Cocoa Beach fraud lawyers:
- Examine financial and digital records for inconsistencies and errors.
- Challenge the credibility of witnesses or experts presented by the prosecution.
- Protect your rights throughout investigations, hearings, and trial.
- Develop tailored defense strategies based on the specific allegations against you.
Our Cocoa Beach fraud lawyers are committed to minimizing the impact on your life and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Entrust Your Defense to Our Skilled Cocoa Beach Fraud Lawyers
Fraud charges can threaten your freedom, finances, and reputation, but being accused does not mean you are guilty. With the right legal defense, you can challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your future.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we provide the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to fight back. Call our Cocoa Beach fraud lawyers today at (321) 44-SHARK to schedule a confidential consultation.
